Ergonomic flexible container for the storage and filtration of liquids during hydration in sports and/or field activities

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to containers for liquid storage that are useful during sports activities, mainly containers that include mechanisms for purifying and filtering the stored liquid in the container, especially water.The flexible ergonomic container (R) comprises an external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) that can be rolled up and attached to a part of the human body. In the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1), a liquid storage device (4) is internally housed, interconnected with an inlet and suction device (2) and with a purification device (3), so that, when the user introduces liquids coming from natural or aqueduct sources and subsequently sucks with his mouth the contents housed inside the invention, immediate double filtering takes place for the elimination of suspended particles, odors and dissolved heavy metals.

INVENTION FIELD

The present invention refers to containers for storing useful fluids during sports or field activities or both sports and field activities, mainly containers that include purification and filtering mechanisms for the fluid contained in the container, especially water.

BACKGROUND

The immediate hydration of the human being during sports activities or any other kind has been a permanent need to be satisfied. This need has motivated the development of multiple hydration devices, some portable and others linked to some limbs of the body.

In general, the containers for liquids suitable to use during the development of sports activities have a limited space that only allows the storage of the liquid. For instance, patent document U.S. Pat. No. 9,113,699 published in the United States, discloses a “hands-free” hydration device, which is configured to be worn on the forearm. The device comprises elements for attachment to the forearm and a place for storing, admitting, and dispensing the liquid, where the latter is made up of a bladder, a filling cap, an inlet valve, a hose, and a nozzle.

The patent document US2012152986 published in the United States of America discloses a hydration system with a flexible cuff, whose lining can be a soft or absorbent material integrated with a bladder or flexible reservoir. The bladder or reservoir holds a quantity of water stored and contains expandable nerves that allow the user to regulate the amount of fluid contained in the bladder. The bladder is attached to the flexible cuff, and the combined system has a cylindrical to a tapered cylindrical shape.

The cuff and bladder may be flat pieces that are folded and joined at the edges to form the tapered cylinder. Many adjustable straps can be attached to the bladder. If present, the elastic straps extend around the bladder and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bladder and are adjustable through a hook and loop attachment. A plug is removably connected to an opening in the bladder, which opening serves to introduce liquid into the bladder. A swivel joint can be attached to the cap and provide a fluid passageway between the inside and the outside of the bladder.

A flexible straw may extend from the outer end of the swivel joint or lid to suck up the lodged liquid. Whether or not a swivel joint is used, the straw extends from the hand end of the bladder and draws water from the cuff from the elbow end of the bladder. The point at which the user drinks water is at the end of the straw adjacent to the end of the hand, and the water is drawn at a point adjacent to the end of the elbow.

In the patent document US2017360184 published in the United States, a hydration device is disclosed that includes a sleeve that is worn securely on an extremity, such as a user's forearm, and contains a bladder to contain liquids such as water, sports drinks, etc. The bladder is removable and includes a fill port and valve for drinking. The hydration device may be designed to absorb shock while in use but is light and flexible enough to conform to the user's body.

In the patent document US2016083163 published in the United States, a hydration device is disclosed and includes: a band of material with a specific shape and dimension to fit around a user's limb; a bladder pocket connected to the sleeve material band; an opening extending into the bladder pocket to allow insertion of a hydration bladder into the bladder pocket; and a nozzle port extending through the web of the sleeve material. Other embodiments and features are described, including single-use hydration bladders and garments that incorporate hydration sleeves.

In the patent document CN102724895 published in China, a personal hydration system is disclosed and includes a flexible bladder, a fill port assembly, an outlet port, and a drying mechanism.

The drying mechanism is set up to be selectively positioned to join up the outer surface of the flexible bladder and deform the flexible bladder from a non-dry configuration to a dry configuration in which opposing side portions are further apart from each other and from the center axis of the flexible bladder than when the flexible bladder is in the non-drying setting to allow air circulation in the internal compartment of the flexible bladder.

In some embodiments, the dryer mechanism joins the fill port assembly. In some embodiments, the dryer mechanism includes at least one elongate member pivotally joined to the fill port assembly.

Another identified need is to have potable water available for the user of sports practices, which is desirable to obtain by capturing water from any source, whether natural or aqueduct.

For the filtration and purification of water, several systems have been developed. For instance, the Colombian patent application CO 09073503 discloses a biological filter for water purification, which comprises an internal desilter container, a liquid membrane aspiration, and a plastic residue retaining membrane, among others. However, despite the efficiency of this system, it requires a lot of room for its implementation, so it is not practical for incorporation into containers used in sports practices.

Due to the above, there is still a need to achieve an ergonomic device that supplies drinkable water to the athlete or any user that can be drunk immediately without suspending their activity, also that the water stored in the said device can be collected from any source within its reach without any danger to your health.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a flexible ergonomic container for the storage and filtering of consumable liquids during sports practices or in any other activity in which the portability and immediate availability of liquids for body hydration are preferable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a flexible ergonomic container that facilitates water purification from aqueducts or natural sources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below are schematic figures of a particular embodiment of the invention, whose dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the real ones since the figures only didactically present its various aspects, whose scope of protection is determined only by the attached claims. In said figures, the reference codes indicate identical or similar elements without being limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of the flexible ergonomic container.

FIG. 2 illustrates the bottom view of the flexible ergonomic container.

FIG. 3 presents a scheme of the internal configuration of the flexible ergonomic container.

FIG. 4 presents a scheme of the internal configuration of the flexible ergonomic container in a second mode of arrangement of the ducts of the water storage device.

FIG. 5 presents an exploded view of the inlet and suction device and the purification device that make up the flexible ergonomic container.

FIG. 5 a presents a top view of the cross-section of the filter cover, in which the presence of a cross-disposed mesh can be observed.

FIG. 5 a presents a top view of the cross-section of the filter, in which the presence of a cross-disposed filter mesh can be observed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ergonomic, flexible container (R), adjustable to the human body, particularly to the limbs of an individual, profitable in the development of sports activities or any other in which immediate availability of liquids is required for hydration.

The flexible ergonomic container (R) comprises a roll-up flexible cover outer bag (1) that can be rolled up and attached to a part of the human body, wherein said part of the human body is preferably a segment of an upper extremity.

In the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) of the flexible ergonomic container (R), a liquid storage device is internally stored (4), interconnected with an inlet and suction device (2) and with a purification device (3), so when the user introduces liquids from natural or aqueduct sources and subsequently sucks the saved content inside the invention with his mouth, immediate double filtering is produced to eliminate suspended particles, odors, and heavy metals dissolved.

The invention satisfies the need to provide a container for the storage of liquid, practical when used during sports or any other activity, which also allows the filtration and purification of water, which is essential in places with no access to drinking water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure corresponds to the detailed explanation of some of the embodiments of the invention and does not imply the limitation of the scope of the invention defined in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description in an illustrative and non-limiting same, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements in the corresponding figures.

For purposes of understanding the described invention, the expression “flexible ergonomic container” defines the invention as an element that allows the storage of liquids whit a design that allows flexible properties (easy bending) of all its components and ease of adjustment for its comfortable rolled up around some part of the human body.

In general terms and according to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the flexible ergonomic container (R) is made up of an external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) that has an inlet and suction device (2) internally connected to a device for purification (3) which at the same time is connected to a liquid storage device (4).

Below is presented an even more detailed description of each of the structural components of the invention and its configuration:

Roll-Up Flexible Cover External Bag

In FIGS. 1 and 2 can be observed a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the outer bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) has a quadrilateral shape and comprises an outer wall (1.1) and an inner wall (1.2), where these walls are assembled around their entire perimeter, that is, along all their edges with the previous introduction of the internal components.

The previously mentioned assembly is conducted through selected assembly techniques of sewing, welding, etc.; it is also possible by producing a single flexible bent piece to obtain the appropriate shape.

The quadrilateral to which the shape of the rollable flexible cover outer bag is related (1) can be a square but is preferably a rectangle or a trapezoid with angles close to a rectangle.

The bag (1) comprises fastening elements on the shorter sides of the quadrilateral that allow it to remain attached to a part of the human body, preferably to a segment of an upper limb. The fastening elements are selected from Velcro, hooks, buttons, and zippers, among others. A preferred embodiment of the invention is incorporated Velcro or in technical terms an invisible hook and loop closure mechanism, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

FIG. 1 shows that the outer wall (1.1) has a loop fastener (1.4) and FIG. 2 shows that the inner wall (1.2) has a hook fastener (1.3). This system results in an invisible closure, known as Velcro, once it has been interconnected around the user's upper extremity.

In another embodiment of the invention not illustrated, it is possible that the outer wall (1.1) has the hook closure (1.3), and the inner wall (1.2) has the loop closure (1.4). This variation does not correspond to an essential element of the invention, for which it is possible to conduct the variations, which is necessary to guarantee the ergonomic adjustment of the invention.

In the regular use of the container, the outer bag of flexible roll-up cover surrounds a part of the human body with (1) in such a way that the inner wall (1.1) is in touch with the human body and the outer wall (1.2) is in contact with the environment.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, externally to the bag (1), it is also possible to visualize the inlet and suction device (2) interconnected with the purification device (3), all this assembly assembled to the bag (1) through the base for adjusting the cover to the filter (3.4), as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 . In other embodiments of the invention, only the inlet and suction device (2) is external to the bag (1) since the purification device (3) is internal to the bag (1), as seen in FIG. 3 .

Given the importance of the flexibility of the invention, the material selected for the manufacture of the outer bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) can be cotton, nylon, flexible plastic, and in general, any material that allows it to function as a flexible fabric or structure, preferably a flexible and highly elastic material.

Inlet and Suction Device

In FIGS. 3 to 5 , it is possible to observe the arrangement and configuration of the inlet and suction device (2). This inlet and suction device (2) is an element that allows the fluid to enter, preferably water, for its filtration and storage within the invention and allows the fluid to exit for consumption by the user.

According to FIG. 5 , the input and suction device (2) is made up of a nozzle (2.1) with a base (2.1.1) and it has an adjustable screw cap (2.2) on the said nozzle (2.1). This inlet and suction device (2) is external for the said bag (1) therefore it is possible to observe it in FIG. 1 on the outer wall (1.1).

When the user needs to fill the invention with water, he unscrews the inlet and suction device (2), removes it, introduces the water into the elastic duct (3.1), and reinserts the inlet and suction device (2) to guarantee hermeticism. When the user needs to consume the treated water within the invention, he only moves the adjustable screw cap (2.2) and sucks directly from the nozzle with his mouth (2.1).

The inlet and suction device (2) can be of any suitable polymeric material known to any person of ordinary skill in the art.

Purification Device

In FIGS. 3 and 5 , it is possible to observe the layout and configuration of the drinking water treatment device (3) that are part of the invention. The purification device (3) is a mechanism that allows immediate double treatment of the water stored within the invention.

The purification device (3) is connected in its upper part to the inlet and suction device (2) and, it is connected in its lower part to the liquid storage device (4) (see FIG. 3 ).

The purification device (3) is made up of the following components:

-   -   an elastic duct (3.1) for water collection, preferably in a cup         form, which has in its upper part a connection mouth with the         nozzle base (3.1.1), and in its lower part, it has a hermetic         adjustable screw base (3.1.2). FIG. 5 shows this essential         section of the purification device (3) and its connection with         the nozzle base (2.1.1) and with the filter cover (3.2). The         elastic duct (3.2) can be removed by the user or left in its         connection as described above;     -   a filter cover (3.2) arranged and inserted under the elastic         duct (3.1), which has a cylindrical configuration with a reduced         lower portion in its cross-section and transversely incorporates         a mesh (3.2.1) (see FIG. 5 a );     -   a filter (3.3) that has a filter case (3.3.1) which stores         inside the filter bed (3.3.2) and a filter mesh (3.3.3) arranged         transversely (see FIG. 5 b ). This filter (3.3) is located         between the cover (3.2) and the screw mouth (3.4.1) of the         adjustment base of the filter cover (3.4).

The filter bed (3.3.2) preferably comprises activated carbon granules and allows the filtration of the liquid contained in the container (R) according to the invention, where the filter not only retains particles, but also adsorbs odors, metals, and other contaminants. that can comprise the liquid that the user can introduce in said bag for liquids, in such a way that when all the liquid is sucked or flows through the nozzle (2.1) or the elastic duct (3.1), said complete flow of the liquid is forced to pass through the filter bed as well (3.3.2).

The filter bed (3.3.2), which consists of activated carbon, is obtained according to the method described in patent NC2017/0013448, whose owner is the same inventor of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the filter is made up of layers of absorbent material within which the activated carbon is placed.

Liquid Storage Device

In FIGS. 3 and 4 it is possible to observe two preferred configuration modalities of the liquid storage device (4) that forms part of the invention. The water or liquid that will be consumed immediately during sports practice or any other activity is temporarily stored in the said component.

The liquid storage device (4) is stored inside the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover (1) and is connected to the purification device (3) as shown in FIG. 3 .

The liquid storage device (4) is made up of at least one flexible roll-up compartment (4.1), preferably three flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) interconnected with each other. The intermediate flexible roll-up compartment has a principal duct (4.2) housed inside it, which receives the liquid from the purification device (3). Said flexible roll-up intermediate compartment also has interconnection ducts (4.3) on its side walls to easily connect with the other flexible roll-up compartments and allow the insertion of hoses (4.4) that give way to the flow of the stored liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main duct (4.2) is independent in connection concerning the hoses (4.4), as can be seen in FIG. 3 . In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main duct (4.2) is completely interconnected with the hoses (4.4), as shown in FIG. 4 .

Inside the flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) is where the filtered water is duly stored for the first time during the fill of the invention. These compartments provide the water for its second filtering when the user sucks out through the inlet and suction device (2).

When the user fills the container with water, it passes through the inlet and suction device (2), then through the purification device (3) and passes to the liquid storage device (4), entering through the main duct (4.2). Then, the water is stored in the intermediate compartment, and as the water inlet increases, it passes through the hoses (4.4) to the other flexible roll-up compartments.

When the water is sucked out in by the user, the stored water reverses its flow direction leaving the flexible roll-up compartments (4.1), passing through the main duct (4.2), being treated again through the purification device (3) and finally leaving through the inlet and suction device (2) to fulfill its purpose for which the flexible ergonomic container (R) was developed.

The flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) are preferably made of a flexible and elastic material selected from, but not limited to, polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, among others, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) for liquids correspond to a multilayer system made up of two or more layers of selected materials from polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, among others. The flexible roll-up compartments (4.1) are made by techniques known as injection molding, among others known by the person skilled in the art.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

The current utility model has the following advantages:

-   -   Facilitates the immediate availability of water for hydration of         the invention user without the user having to interrupt their         sports or field activities or both sports and field activities.     -   Immediate purification of water from any source, whether natural         or aqueduct.     -   Ergonomic because of the slight fit to the body and comfort use         as a sports garment due to the breathability of the invention         given the characteristics of the walls which the external bag is         made, just as a garment for sports or field practices or both         sports and field practices, should it be.     -   The configuration of the internal compartments of the liquid         storage device allows the stored water to have a uniform weight,         causes imbalances, and be lighter than a conventional container         that usually causes a differential load.     -   It can be used in either of the two arms and is hands-free.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Regarding the industrial application, the invention can be conducted by any person usually versed in the matter with access to the content of this description and the information contained in the Colombian patent NC2017/0013448 cited here as a reference.

Although some embodiments of the invention are described in the present description, it will be shown that modifications and other embodiments may be conceived by those skilled in the art after the divulgation of the present invention. For instance, in other modalities the different modalities features can be used. Therefore, the appended claims pretend to cover all modifications and embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present description. 

1. A flexible, roll-up, and ergonomic container for the storage and purification of liquids during hydration in sports or field activities or both sports and field activities, the flexible, roll-up, and ergonomic container comprising: An external bag with a flexible roll-up cover configured to stores on an inside thereof a liquid storage device, the liquid storage device being connected to a purification device connected to an inlet and suction device, the suction device configured to protrudes from the external bag with the flexible roll-up cover.
 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover comprises a quadrilateral shape with two long sides and two short sides, an outer wall and an inner wall each one disposed around a perimeter of the outer bag, the external bag further comprising fastening elements disposed on each of the two short sides of the quadrilateral shape.
 3. The container, according to claim 2, wherein the fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hooks group, buttons, invisible hooks and loop fasteners.
 4. The container according to claim 2, wherein the outer bag with a flexible roll-up cover comprises a loop closure and a hook closure.
 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the intake and suction device comprises a nozzle with a base, the nozzle comprising an adjustable screw cap and disposed on an elastic duct.
 6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the purification device is connected around an upper part thereof to the inlet and suction device; the purification device further connected on a lower part thereof to the liquid storage device.
 7. The container according to claims 5, wherein the purification device is substantially defined by the elastic duct arranged in a cup shape that has a connection mouth at its upper part and which is disposed adjacent to the base of the nozzle, the elastic duct comprising on a lower part thereof a hermetic adjustable screw base; a filter cover disposed below the elastic duct and comprising a cylindrical configuration with a lower portion contracted in a cross-section thereof; a filter with a case configured to store on an inside thereof a filter bed and a filter mesh; and a filter cover adjustment base disposed inside the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover and comprising an externally threaded mouth that contacts a lower part of the filter.
 8. The container according to claim 7, wherein the filter is configured to fits inside the external bag with a flexible roll-up cover between the filter cover and the screw mouth of the filter cover adjustment base; the filter bed has granulated activated carbon.
 9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage device comprises three roll-up flexible compartments interconnected with each other by interconnection ducts; an intermediate flexible roll-up compartment of the three roll-up flexible compartments comprising a main duct stored on an inside thereof, the intermediate flexible roll-up compartment being independent from the other ducts and comprising interconnection ducts on the side walls, a plurality of hoses arranged on the interconnection ducts.
 10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the main duct is interconnected to the hoses disposed in each flexible compartment. 